USA

Weaker political parties along with more extreme partisanship have made for a dangerous combination – one that experts say threatens democratic norms. This is the sixth installment of our “Democracy Under Strain” series.

In what may be the nation's latest teacher strike, educators in Oakland demand a 12 percent retroactive raise covering 2017 to 2020 to compensate for high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. This builds on a wave of teacher activism that began last spring.

House Democrats aim to file a resolution Friday to block President Trump's national emergency declaration. Although the effort is almost certain to fail due to the presidential veto, it will still put some Republicans from swing districts and states in a difficult spot.

While most Republicans support President Trump’s move to gain funding for his border wall, some say it violates bedrock conservative principles, such as support for limited government and separation of powers.

Though the shooter's family has no answers on what led him to open fire at an Illinois warehouse, they've offered deep condolences to the community. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are reviewing how the shooter had a weapon despite a felony conviction.

Despite the objections of ethics and national security officials, senior White House officials, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia, a new congressional report finds.

Some candidates – like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who announced his presidential bid today – employ more populist rhetoric than others. But all are trying to show they are on the side of working class voters.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi weathered a storm of criticism before the midterms, including from Democrats. Now her experience has paid off in facing down the president, polishing her image nationally and at home.

Ending a three-day walk-out, Denver teachers returned to their classrooms with a tentative deal to raise their pay. Colorado’s example is the latest in a national movement launched by West Virginia teachers' "Red4Ed" strike a year ago.

Since the shooting in Parkland, Fla., one year ago today, nine states (for a total of 14) have implemented “red flag” laws that allow temporary seizure of weapons for a range of reasons, from domestic battery to social media threats.